Texans' next GM must be on same page with Bill O'Brien

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien makes a call fropm the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien makes a call fropm the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano walks across the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano walks across the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. (

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) breaks away from Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec.

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) leaps past Houston Texans strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) as he is knocked out of bounds during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) leaps past Houston Texans strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) as he is knocked out of bounds during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) leaps past Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks an extra point past Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31,

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) breaks away from Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec.

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) breaks away from Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien makes a call fropm the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien makes a call fropm the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in

Houston Texans defensive coordinator stands on the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans defensive coordinator stands on the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. (

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Houston Texans free safety Andre Hal (29) and inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas

Houston Texans defensive coordinator stands on the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans defensive coordinator stands on the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. (

Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller (13) lies on the ground after a incomplete pass from T.J. Yates during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller (13) lies on the ground after a incomplete pass from T.J. Yates during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium

Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) breaks up a pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) breaks up a pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs past Indianapolis Colts defensive back Kenny Moore (42) for a first down during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs past Indianapolis Colts defensive back Kenny Moore (42) for a first down during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec.

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) is stopped by Indianapolis Colts free safety Clayton Geathers (26) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017,

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field following the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien stands on the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien stands on the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. (

Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) breaks up a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Chester Rogers (80) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday,

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field following the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) gets rid of the ball as he is hit by Houston Texans defensive tackle Angelo Blackson (97) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) gets rid of the ball as he is hit by Houston Texans defensive tackle Angelo Blackson (97) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field following the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) jogs off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) jogs off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) and inside linebacker Antonio Morrison (44) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) and inside linebacker Antonio Morrison (44) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks up the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks up the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) runs into Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) as he is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) runs into Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) as he is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Antonio Morrison (44) stops Houston Texans tight end Stephen Anderson (89) for a short gain during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Antonio Morrison (44) stops Houston Texans tight end Stephen Anderson (89) for a short gain during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans fullback Jay Prosch (45) is stopped short of the goal line by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (52) and safety T.J. Green during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans fullback Jay Prosch (45) is stopped short of the goal line by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (52) and safety T.J. Green during the second quarter of an NFL football game ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Houston Texans free safety Andre Hal (29) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Houston Texans free safety Andre Hal (29) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) passes to running back Alfred Blue (28) during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) passes to running back Alfred Blue (28) during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) breaks away from Houston Texans defensive end Joel Heath (93) as he passes during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) breaks away from Houston Texans defensive end Joel Heath (93) as he passes during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) throws a pass with Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard (93) giving chase during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) throws a pass with Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard (93) giving chase during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) picks himself up off the turf after he was sacked for a safety during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) picks himself up off the turf after he was sacked for a safety during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) lies on the turf after he was sacked for a safety as Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Antonio Morrison (44),
defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) and defensive tackle Joey Mbu (94) celebrate during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is picked up off the turn by running back Lamar Miller (26) after he was sacked for a safety during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is picked up off the turn by running back Lamar Miller (26) after he was sacked for a safety during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) raises his fist after making a 54-yard field goal against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) raises his fist after making a 54-yard field goal against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) picks himsleft p off the turf after he was sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) picks himsleft p off the turf after he was sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is hit by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Tarell Basham (58) as he throws for an incomplete pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is hit by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Tarell Basham (58) as he throws for an incomplete pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) knocks Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) out of bounds during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) knocks Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) out of bounds during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) and Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) get into an altercation during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) and Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) get into an altercation during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) pressures Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) pressures Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) runs between Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) and cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) runs between Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) and cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) knocks Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) out of bounds during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) knocks Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) out of bounds during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) stops Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) stops Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) sacks Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is tackled by Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) as he is forced out of the pocket during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is tackled by Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) as he is forced out of the pocket during the first quarter of an NFL football game at ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) breaks past Indianapolis Colts free safety Clayton Geathers (26) for a first down run during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) breaks past Indianapolis Colts free safety Clayton Geathers (26) for a first down run during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks past quarterback T.J. Yates (2) before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks past quarterback T.J. Yates (2) before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates throws the football while warming up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates throws the football while warming up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches warm ups before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches warm ups before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien and Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano shake hands before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien and Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano shake hands before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien and Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano shake hands before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien and Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano shake hands before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, left, talks to Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, left, talks to Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans COO Cal McNair, left, and head coach Bill O'Brien watch the Texans warm up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans COO Cal McNair, left, and head coach Bill O'Brien watch the Texans warm up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith, left, and Texans COO Cal McNair talk before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith, left, and Texans COO Cal McNair talk before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith and Texans COO Cal McNair watch the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith and Texans COO Cal McNair watch the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Texans' next GM must be on same page with Bill O'Brien

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INDIANAPOLIS - Brutal business. Cruel world.

The news some of you have been waiting eight seasons for finally arrived on the last day of a horrible year for Houston's pro football team.

Rick Smith stepped away as general manager, hours before 2018 debuted and on a freezing, snowy day that saw the equally horrible Colts down the Texans 22-13 in the Battle for Last Place in the AFC South, then fire coach Chuck Pagano as a reward for Indy's pointless Week 17 victory.

Talk radio and social media have been obsessed with Smith's job status for as long as I've been in Houston. No one was targeted with as much relentless criticism; no one was dissected and picked apart like Bob McNair's right-hand man. When it became clear in recent days that the owner had to decide between Bill O'Brien or Smith as the franchise's future waited on pause, almost everyone picking sides sided with a fourth-year coach instead of a 12th-year GM.

After the Texans were officially 4-12 in 2017 forever - what began with a promise to inspire Houston after Hurricane Harvey ended as a broken season with six consecutive defeats - Smith was seen walking around the team's locker room among discarded jerseys, cast-aside shoulder pads and second-rate names who will soon be replaced in the new year.

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Brian T. Smith

When the Texans lost in the past, Smith always looked and acted the same in public. Smooth, calm, above it all.

Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium, the GM who outlasted Gary Kubiak and traded up for Deshaun Watson quietly walked in circles, then conducted personal conversations that were whispered from mouth to ear.

The Texans' season, long-term future and GM position were about to change all at once.

Family takes priority

"Effective immediately, I have chosen to take an extended leave of absence to focus my attention and intention on my wife's complete recovery from her recent diagnosis of breast cancer," Smith said in a statement. "We are faithful and trust in God's promise of healing and wholeness. I am eternally grateful to the McNair family for their unwavering support during this trying time. This was an extremely difficult decision for me to make, as I love this organization and every member of this team, both on and off the field. I remain committed to our quest to bring a championship to the city of Houston, yet my family needs me now, and they are my priority."

Pagano, a cancer survivor, led the Colts to the AFC Championship Game in 2014. As Smith tends to his wife, the Texans must look inward before their search begins for a new GM. And there should be one word that trumps everything as they filter through all the potential names: alignment.

With O'Brien.

Within a building that has only become more divided since 2014.

With everything coming out of Kirby Drive during December, the Texans reeked like only a 4-12 team does. Infighting. Bad politics. Warring factions trying to save themselves while excelling only at the blame game.

Smith and O'Brien never clicked. The next GM must push and challenge a fiery coach with a 31-33 career record and just one playoff victory in four years. But ultimately, Smith's replacement must back and support the coach who's supposed to finally lift the Texans to the next level.

Trying season

This backward, bad-luck season wasn't an anomaly if you stare at NRG Stadium from high above. McNair's Texans are 110-146 since they began, have never appeared in an AFC Championship Game, and have obviously never even sniffed the Super Bowl, let alone seen the trophy with their own eyes.

"It's brutal. Absolutely brutal," said O'Brien, describing the worst season of his career.

Still, there is real potential in 2018.

DeAndre Hopkins, Jadeveon Clowney, J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus could all be in the Pro Bowl next year. Watson is the most exciting and dangerous young QB in the game. O'Brien has spent the past four seasons building (and backsliding) toward a year that could define his time on Kirby.

"I've learned more about myself in four years," he said. "Not just this season. About everything - about coaching, about everything. … You can learn from all these situations, and you have to try to come back and be better."

Between the lines, McNair has mostly stumbled since the Texans came to life. Eight losing seasons in 16 years, with two of the worst recorded in the last five.